The Economist – “OF ALL the cuts to public services, few have provoked such loud protests as proposals to close libraries. Petitions, vigils and the gnashing of teeth (especially those of Philip Pullman, a fantasy author) have been followed by legal challenges. On November 16th a judge in London ruled against plans to close 21 libraries in Gloucestershire and Somerset. Campaigners in Brent, in north-west London, have taken their fight against closures to the Court of Appeal. And, on November 24th, a select committee of MPs announced an inquiry into library closures.”